Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Newborn twins sleep best when close to each other However, it's crucial to adhere to safe sleeping guidelines. Choosing the right crib arrangement can aid in the development of a consistent routine of sleep.
A double bassinet with a divider can be a great choice for twins. These beds can be used as portable beds to allow parents to keep their infants close for mid-night feedings and diaper changes. They also work well for babies who may outgrow their bassinets before 2 years old.
Space-Saving
Twins can sleep together in a bedside crib, as long as you follow the safe sleeping guidelines (that's to say that they should be laid on their backs with the tops of their heads facing each other and their feet placed at opposite sides of the cot). When they're big enough, they can also share a bed in a Moses Basket or regular crib.
This Delta double bassinet has mesh dividers that allow babies to be separated, but still close. It has a handy storage pocket to keep wipes and snacks nearby as well. It is also foldable, making it easier to move around the home and take on trips.
Another option is this EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart that swivels to bring the twins who are fussy closer to you for feeding and comfort. The sides lower and raise to allow access, and they are secured to ensure security. It's a bit bigger and heavier than other models however it is ideal for the second floor or homes for grandparents. It also comes with a carry-on bag. It's also much less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
While many parents of twins may be tempted to put the twins together in one crib or bassinet, this is generally not recommended. Rednose recommends that twins have their own secure sleeping area (crib or portable crib or bassinet) in the room of the parents or caregivers until they reach 12 months old to lower the risk for SIDS. This is referred to as co-bedding. It has been shown that twins who have grown in this type of environment develop a more synchronized sleeping pattern.
A twin bedside cot such as the Teknum FELLOW 2 is a fantastic way to achieve this. It comes with two sets of bedding so that each baby has their own space. This bedside cot is able to easily be moved from room to room when required, and provides a convenient way to check on babies without needing to wake them by re-entering their sleeping space or disrupting their sleep patterns.
Double bassinets are a different option. They permit infants to sleep side-by-side and they're perfect for feedings and diaper changes during the middle of the night. The Halo Bassinest Twin, for instance, comes with an air-tight mesh partition and an adjustable height to ensure that each baby is visible and reachable throughout the night, and the sides of the sleeper lower and raise to give easy access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet which is a less expensive option, has two sleep zones that are separated by a mesh panel which allows babies to see each the other. The sleeper also rotates around 360 degrees to allow easy access to the infants.
Many parents have discovered that co-bedding twins with moses baskets or a small bassinette, could be a good option for temporary situations such as hospitalization or a visit to the family. This should only be done under the supervision of by a healthcare professional. They will ensure that the babies are appropriately placed, with their feet at the bottom of the crib and all bedding is tucked into.
Safety
When it comes to twins sleeping together, the most important safety feature is that each baby has his or her own sleep space. This ensures that each infant is not smothered or otherwise infected by the other. It also helps prevent cot death, which is more frequent in infants who are single than in multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that triplets, twins, and higher-order multiplications have their own sleep space. This can be achieved with an additional bassinet, or a twin bedside crib you can place on your bed to feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
While resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage room sharing with parents and discourage cobedding but the reality is that a lot of families of twins and higher-order multiples have trouble adhering to these guidelines (1). In a prior study, it was found that the majority of twin families that co-bedded their children during the first three months of their lives at home were engaged in dangerous sleeping habits.
Parents of twins may not follow current SIDS risk reduction recommendations due to a desire to increase their own sleep duration and the inability to accommodate multiple cribs in the home. In addition, socioeconomic status could affect the family's decisions regarding sleep arrangements.
If twins are placed in a small Moses basket or crib, their bedding can easily entangle them and they could choke on each other. If you're planning to sleep your twins in the same cot it is essential to place them in a head-to-foot position and with their bedding tucked securely into the cots to reduce their chances of smothering each other.
One of the safest and more convenient options for twins to be able to sleep separately is a bedside bassinet like the Halo Bassinest Twin. The double bassinet features mesh walls to separate twins and provide them with their own flat, safe mattress to sleep on. It can rotate 360 degrees so you can bring your baby closer to you for feedings or to soothe while still in the comfortable bed, and its sides lower and auto-return when you move. It's also easy to clean and can be tucked away in a standard twin bed frame. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, consider the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet available at Walmart. available at Walmart and comes with similar features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
The arrival of twins or multiples into the world is a huge life change. Not only that, they require a lot of preparation and thought in regards to their sleeping arrangements and how they can get a good night's sleep. While the decisions regarding their future room can be made when they are older, parents often wonder how they can help their children to settle in the early stages.
When twins are young, they can be able to share one cot. This is referred to as co-bedding, and can provide excellent comfort for babies as it reminds them of the birthing process. It is important to make sure the beds are big enough for the babies to be comfortable, without touching or bouncing around. You should also keep in mind that the baby who awakes first must be fed. It is helpful to coordinate night feeds in order to wake up one baby before the other.
However, it is important to remember that twins are distinct and may have their own sleep patterns. You might find that one baby is waking more than the other or they prefer to be close to you. In this situation it may be beneficial for the twins to share their own crib or bassinet in their room.
When shopping for a twin bedside cot look for models that feature air-tight mesh dividers that create separate sleeping spaces. This is particularly important for babies that are more prone to overheating or for families with mothers who have had c-sections. Other useful features include an adjustable base, built-in storage space for blankets and toys, as well as easy-to-use wheels. The Arm's Reach cot is an excellent option for these needs, as it offers a large sleeping area and is designed with c-section moms in mind. Other options include the Graco Pack 'n Play and the Fisher-Price Easy Swivel however, they have a smaller sleeping area than the Arm's Reach cot.
Even if they're extremely close, it is not recommended for twins to share a bed with an adult. This can increase the risk of SIDS and result in strangulation or suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins should sleep in their own bassinets or cribs in their parents' room for the first six months.